How can you know you're called to write?

How can you know God’s calling you to be a writer? It's a question all of us have asked ourselves. If you knew you were called, then you'd stick through the tough times a lot easier, right? You'd press on and pursue your dreams knowing you were on the right track.

I remember as a teen I begged God to show me what I was supposed to do with my life. I prayed and yearned to know. Right then. But if I had looked closely, I would’ve seen He was already leading and guiding me through my childhood dreams. I loved to read as a kid. One of my favorite activities was visiting the library, and I’d come home with bags full of books. I loved writing little stories about animals. My sister and I started a newspaper/magazine we peddled around the neighborhood for fifty cents.

When I was fifteen I started writing a story about two sisters. I had no idea that story would eventually become my first published novel, Thicker than Blood. Those first pages were horrible, but I kept at it because it was something I couldn’t not do. That’s another way to recognize a God-given dream. Does it burn within you? I asked Jerry B. Jenkins once how beginning writers could know they were called to write, and he said if you can’t not write you may be called to write.

God puts desires and dreams in our hearts at an early age to guide us into our calling. And why wouldn’t He? Doesn’t it make sense He’d plant ideas in our hearts as children? As Psalms 139 says, “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” It’s only as we get older that those dreams begin to fade due to the distractions and pressures of life. Take time and look back. Remember what you dreamed about as a kid. Maybe you’ll discover God’s been calling you for longer than you think. Often God will give us natural inclinations as children that coincide with our calling as adults. Have you always had a fascination with stories, books or writing? Chances are God’s put that in your heart.

Which isn't to say you always have to know what you're supposed to do as a kid. I certainly didn't. And I still have doubts. But it's not really even about skill. My early writings were nothing to shake a stick at. And even now my rough drafts can come out a mess most times. The point is, you can always develop skills, but you can’t fabricate a calling.

Know today that God can call you to be a writer as much as he can call a preacher to preach. Words are powerful. Think about this---God could’ve imparted his Word to us in many ways. He could’ve branded it on our minds or invented CDs sooner. But what did He choose? He wrote His words down in a book. How many lives have been changed by that one Book alone?

Currently, I'm on the Opposite of a Roll

Ever have one of those weeks?

You know what I'm talking about right? It starts with the greatest of expectations for your writing on Monday and lands with a thud by the time Friday rolls around.

This was supposed to be the week where I really got my new novel going. I had all sorts of fantastic plans for my characters, ideas for fun scenes, even a few recipes tucked away in the back of my mind for everyone to fail at (yes, I'm going a bit foodie with my next novel...guess all that Food Network watching is going to pay off, huh?).

But thanks to a unexpected run-in with Sniffles McManus (my alter ego with a bad, bad cold)and some last-minute deadlines with my freelance writing clients, well, I didn't get to write a single word. And I'm seriously bummed about this...

I know, I know, I should be making lemonade with those lemons, but it's easy to let discouragement creep in when your great expectations end up being nothing more than simply that, expectations. And so goes the journey of the writer...you're going to have a bad week on occasion. That self-imposed, 2,000-word deadline may not yield any fruit at all.

If anything, though, it makes me more fiercely determined to stay the course. When you're chomping at the bit to get your thoughts down, that's a good, good thing. Sure beats staring at your keyboard for hours on end, that's for sure.

In the meantime, however, I'm going to sulk for just a couple more minutes before I hop in the car and drive an hour-and-a-half to meet my Mom for lunch. We writers have a flair for the dramatic, after all, don't we?

Writing - A Call or a Choice?

Most of you have heard my story before from older posts - how I've been writing since I was a little girl, how I started attending conferences at the age of 18, how I was first published by a small press at the age of 22, acquired a literary agent at 23 and was published and multi-contracted by Steeple Hill at age 24.

I can't tell you how many times at ACFW conferences (American Christian Fiction Writers) fellow authors have grabbed my arm and with eyes shut tight against the remorse, told me "If ONLY I had started writing as young you did!!"

I've always wanted to write. Since I was a young teenager, when someone asked me what I "wanted to be when I grew up", I would answer "That's easy. A wife, a mother, and an author."

It's never been a question in my mind, but at times, it has been a doubt in my heart.

Do you ever wonder about that difference?

Authors often debate being "called" to write. Does God specifically call every published author to write for Him, as he "calls" to the ministry and to the mission field? What about unpublished authors, who feel the same burning passion the published writers do? What then? Is writing a calling, or a choice? Both? Neither?

It's a tough puzzle to piece together, and I am by no means qualified to do so. But I want to bring up the questions so that you can ask yourself.

Are you doubting your call today? Are you wondering if you misheard God's command? Realized you've been reading His map for your life upside down?

You're not alone! I think we've all been there at some point or another. No one wants to admit it, because they want to think their lives are going just as they expected. Well, can honestly say that??? =)

I think the reassurance from the doubts come through the little things - and even the little things that turn into big things, like with the previous entry on this blog. Powerful stuff! (go back and read if you haven't!)

For example, I recently became a stay at home/write at home mom. It's been literally my dream come true, and I'm grateful every day for the opportunity.

Except on bill-paying days.

Those days I tend to panic, and think I'm being selfish to have my husband work two jobs so I can stay home and write and raise our daughter and bring in the sporadic paycheck from my publisher. Those days, I tend to forget the investment we're making into Little Miss's life, and I forget how my husband chose this for us - not me. I tend to heap on the guilt and anxiety and forget that we prayed about this decision - that God led us to this point.

He reminded me today, as He did months ago, that even though its often scary, I'm still on the right path. I opened up the mailbox after fretting over our credit card bill and there, in all its manilla glory, was an envelope with a paycheck from my publisher.

God's timing is never, ever late.

So once again, I was humbled. Reminded of my calling. Reminded of my choice.

Because for me, it truly is both.

What is it for you?

Writing Saved My Life

It was the summer of 2001, and I was 17 years old. I wanted only one thing that summer: to die. For seven years I'd struggled with an infection that affected my brain and my heart – leaving me depressed, alone, and afraid. I wanted to end it all.

Then I met Annette.

It was an accident, actually. I was surfing the Web one day when I came across Teen Light Magazine, an online journal published by Annette Dammer. I submitted poetry to the
site, and Annette immediately e-mailed me back. "This is great!" she said. "You have a gift."

At first I didn't believe her, but I kept writing. Working for Teen Light gave me something to do on dark sleepless nights – nights when the pain was so great I wanted to die – nights when suicidal thoughts raged through my mind.

Annette's words kept coming back to me. "You have a gift…" The question haunted me - could she be right? What if writing was the reason God had put me on earth? What if my life actually had a purpose? What if I could write to encourage others – even if I had to do it from my mattress?

Slowly, Annette gained my trust. I told her about myself, my illness, and the hopelessness I felt inside. "God is using you," she told me. "Don't give up."

That summer, Annette taught me how to write a query letter. She slammed my inbox with writing-market information. Before long, I started to secretly send out queries. My first article was soon published by Focus on the Family Magazine.

I danced around the living room as the slippery white pages rubbed against my fingertips. At that moment, something inside of me came alive. I knew. My struggles weren't in vain. God was using them to encourage other hurting people through the words He gave me.

It's been eight years since the day I danced around my living room. Eight years since I wrote my first query letter. Eight years, and I've been published over 150 times – each article a gentle miracle from God's hand. But there's another miracle from God's hand: the miracle of my healing. Not long ago, He touched my body and made me whole.

Then the real crisis came. What should I do with my life? What should I do with my new-found health? I spent months on my knees before God, crying out for guidance.

The answer came clearly one cold winter day - go to journalism school.

"Journalism school?" my friends asked. "Are you crazy? Writing is a hobby – not a calling. Why be a journalist when there were so many other jobs out there?"

My answer was simple: everyone has a story. Every story needs to be told.

From the beginning of time, God penned the words of our lives His book. We may not understand why He chooses the tragic – the painful – or difficult moments.

But we'll love the ending – if we'll stick around long enough to see how it turns out.

I'm so glad I did.

****
BJ Hamrick loves to live out the dreams God has for her. One of those dreams is Real Teen Faith, a place where she mentors teen writers - just like Annette once mentored her.

When You Don't Have Time To Write

There are few things in life that can drive a writer more crazy than not having enough time in the day to write.

Actually, I can think of only three things that bother me more:

1) Mistaking baking powder and baking soda
2) Missing a flight
3) Talking to someone who hasn't brushed their teeth in a while.

But, it will happen. Inevitably. You'll get sick, move or end up spending three hours at the grocery store longing pushing the cart past the Oreos (guess what I did today?).

So what do you do when inspiration strikes at the least opportune moment?

First, write it down. I don't care if it's on the back of the receipt for those Oreos, but write down something that will jog your memory enough to remember your grand idea.

Second, don't put it off. As soon as life settles down for you, get to work! Roll up your sleeves and start plotting.

Third, don't forget about the off-time you've got. Chances are you do one of the following at least once a day: Shower, brush your teeth, get dressed, drive somewhere, clean something, make dinner... (and if you don't do any of these, refer to my #3 at the top of this post). Take advantage of the time when your brain isn't really being used. Flesh out characters while you take a shower in the morning. Brainstorm about locations for your next blockbuster novel while you're driving.

My most important piece of advice when it comes to making time to write?

Don't forget your priorities.

If the thing getting between you and your writing is God, family or friends, forget the writing. Put the pencil down, step away from the keyboard, pull your eyes off the glowing screen and focus on what is really important. Writing is a hobby (or maybe a job), but family and friends are a gift. And the Giver of all of this is God.

And now, I'm going to take this to heart and go spend time with my husband who just got home.

Have a great Monday!

Erynn :)

Writing Helps that Won't Break the Bank

Let's face it. If you go into this writing profession expecting to become rich and famous you'll probably be sorely disappointed. Most writers keep their day jobs.

We usually can't go out and by the latest MacBook or expensive writing desk. But don't let this discourage you! There are so many cheap (or free) writing helps that can make the journey a little easier. Here are a few I've found:

1. Google Maps

I can't tell you how excited I was when editing my novel to realize I could actually see the street view of where I wanted to set my scenes. Not every street is available, but in major cities they are. In one scene, I had a character who traveled to the Albuquerque Greyhound bus stop. I looked it up on Google Maps and was actually able to see the Alvarado Transportation Center. This prompted me to research the place a little more and add some description I wouldn't have known to include otherwise. We're no longer limited if we can't travel to where our stories take place! http://maps.google.com/

2. Writing Notebook

When I get stuck in a story (and let's face it, all writers do), often I'll get away from the computer, pull out my notebook, and just start talking to myself on paper. There's something about holding a pen in hand that gets the creative juices flowing better than typing. Maybe because it forces me to slow down and think since I can't write with a pen as fast as I can think, or type.

I also have this new ritual. For casual notes a legal pad will do, but when I start a new novel I go out and buy a nice notebook. Last time it was a $9.99 leather one at Barnes and Noble. Then I'll use my "novel notebook" and try to figure out what story I want to write next, usually asking myself the question, "What I really want to write about is ..." and then writing down my response. It's fun to go back and read these and see if I kept true to my gut responses.

3. Laptop Desk

I don't have an office, or even a real desk I use for writing. I wish I did, but money and space don't allow for it right now. But that's okay. A couple years ago I bought an $80.00 fold-able laptop desk that can slip behind my dresser or in a corner. I couldn't find the exact one I got, but Target's selling one for an affordable $49.99 here.

4. Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell

Someone beat me to the punch on this one, but I highly recommend this book too. If you can only buy one writing how-to book, this is the one I'd suggest.

Can't afford a pricey writer's conference? Do family responsibilities keep you from traveling? No problem. James Scott Bell's latest book is the perfect solution. Like a week-long writing course, Bell covers it all in easy-to-read chapters. From the Top 20 Ways to Get Hundreds of Plot Ideas to Stretching the Tension, I'd recommend Plot & Structure to beginning writers for its soup-to-nuts approach, but it's also a must-read for veterans. The advice is timeless. It's available for $11.55 at Amazon.com

The point is, you don't have to have top-of-the-line equipment to make it in this biz. Your brain is the most important asset. If you can dream and imagine, then you can succeed as a writer.

Making it Work

When it comes to my writing, the oh-so-wise words of "Project Runway's" Tim Gunn often apply: "make it work."

If you've ever watched the show (a complete guilty pleasure of mine, for the record), you'll notice he says this to the contestants a lot. In fact, I've watched "Project Runway" so much that I can often guess, with great accuracy, when and to whom he'll say it. Sad, I know.

Back on topic, though...okay, okay, I know what you're thinking...

Yeah, that sounds great in theory, Christa, but how does that actually work in practice? Well, that's precisely what today's blog entry is all about—a few tools that "make it work" for me (and here's hoping they'll help you, too).

First off, the right attitude is a must. Sometimes as much as I love writing, it simply has to be done, even if I'm not really in the mood. Like anything really worth pursuing, it's a discipline, and I'm not always great with discipline. But nonetheless, I must forge ahead. That doesn't mean I shouldn't have a great atmosphere to complete the task in, though.

So I always make sure to have some great music playing in the background (Radiohead, Sinatra and the soundtrack from Julie & Julia have all been favorites lately) if I'm working at home. If I'm at a coffee shop, however, I'm at the mercy of whatever they're playing, which is always an important factor to consider.

As far as coffee shops go, the music at Starbucks is consistently good. Well, unless it's whiny songwriter's day. But in the case of the crazy coffee shop across the street from my apartment, The Black Dog, a place that smells like a pungent combination of hummus, B.O. and incense, the music is usually bad. Last night, they were playing Egyptian hip-hop. Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for diversity, but focusing wasn't particularly easy with those strange, pounding beats in the background at a volume my mother certainly wouldn't have approved of.

In addition to a great selection of music, I enjoy copious amounts of caffeine with my writing. Whether it's a caramel macchiato, a cup of cocoa or a diet coke with lime, it's makes the process go so much faster. A snack (something usually involving chocolate) is helpful, too.

Now that the atmosphere is right, I'm actually ready to write. So here are a few more things that often come in handy...

*A good thesaurus. I don't know about you, but I find it really annoying when authors use the same words, particularly adjectives, over and over again. My husband also shares this conviction and regularly points out how many times John Grisham uses the word "gawk" in his novels. I mean, really, what's so special about the word "gawk?" But I definitely have my pet words (every writer does), so a thesaurus definitely helps when you're stuck.

*A copy of Self-Editing for Fiction Writers. Yes, there are probably an infinite amount of great books that'll help kick your writing into shape, but this particular tutorial has certainly helped me with everything from crafting great dialogue to solidifying my point of view.

*A green Pilot Precise V5 pen. Yes, I'm still a little old-school when it comes to editing my manuscripts (I chalk it up to my magazine-editing years) and will routinely print whatever I've got (on recycled paper, I promise) and do copy-edits with my favorite pen, a green Pilot Precise V5. I find that actually seeing it in print helps me catch things that I wouldn't otherwise.

*My hubby's .02. I am very blessed that I'm married to another fellow writer, and his input is absolutely essential when I'm writing because I trust him implicitly. In fact, he's the one who chose the crucial first line in both of my novels. Apparently, I'd buried the lead a few sentences down, and he was absolutely right on the money. Just because I cook his dinner every night doesn't mean he holds back on criticism, and it's exactly what I need.

*Trusted friends. It still amazes me how invested a few of my friends are in the stories I tell. They definitely have opinions and aren't afraid to share them, which is great feedback to have. When I'm having a bummer day or feel like I'm never going to finish my deadline, they pray for me, too, which makes all the difference.